The Torrance Municipal Code states: Aircraft taking off to the west shall not turn left until they have reached the ocean or attained an altitude of 1500 feet. As stated in the City’s Airport Noise Abatement Brochure, pilots of planes are supposed to “maintain the runway heading.” The Code also states that the City has a “duty” to enforce this provision.

However, most violations, such as the actual flight shown below, are ignored by City staff. This is a common occurrence and it adds plane noise over the Riviera, which already has a high volume of helicopter traffic.

The Torrance Airport Commission has agreed to discuss this issue at their March meeting. There will be a slide presentation and a request for better enforcement. It will also address the issue of planes turning left and doing touch-and-go training on the south side of the airport, which is a concern to residents who live in the Walteria area and Bluff and Mesa Streets.

The City’s willingness to improve enforcement will depend largely on how many residents show up at the meeting to support it. If you are concerned about this, you should attend the meeting: